Camping – Spring, Summer, and Fall: Camping opportunities abound in the Rangeley Lakes Region.  Increasingly popular as family recreation, camping near Rangeley can range from drive-up, full-facility campgrounds to back country...

from backpacking foot access to water-only access.

Private campgrounds are operated on Cupsuptic and Aziscoos Lakes and on the Magalloway River in the Aziscoos Valley.  The Rangeley Lake State Park is also a popular destination.  A bit farther a field, Mt. Blue State Park in Weld offers camping with a bit less feeling of remoteness.

For the more adventurous, two camping sites on the Appalachian Trails are near Rangeley:  Piazza Rock and Sabbathday Pond.  There are shelters at both sites available on a first-come basis.

If remote camping is your pleasure, there are walk-in sites on Mooselookmeguntic and Aziscoos Lakes, the Cupsuptic and Dead Rivers, and on the small ponds on Saddleback Mountain.  Enjoy the excitement of arriving at your campsite by boat.  The area offers boat-approach only sites on the islands and remote shores of Aziscoos, Cupsuptic and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes.  Some sites are on land that is preserved from development forever and offer a unique camping experience that is little changed from that enjoyed by the first sportsmen to explore the Rangeley Region almost 150 years ago.

Be advised that campfires are allowed only at established campsites and that fire permits are required for all backcountry sites.

by Kit Caspar

Camping - Winter:  

Winter camping in the Rangeley Lakes Region can be the outdoor winter adventure of a lifetime.  Remote campsites on our wilderness lakes are perfect locations to set up a winter camp.  Access is on cross-country skis following a pre-arranged and pre-set snowmobile track.  Campers can backpack in their own gear or have it brought over the ice via snowmobile.

Also ideal for winter camping are several shelters on the Appalachian Trail, which can be reached with a modest amount of effort on snowshoes.  This camping requires campers to pack in their own gear via backpack. 

Weather conditions are critical and must be checked and rechecked in advance.  In addition, first-rate gear and special winter clothing are a necessity.  Winter campers should never go it alone, and a cell phone for a potential emergency is a good idea.

Last but not least, persons undertaking a winter camping experience should be in good physical condition and should seek the advice of a Registered Maine Guide about what to expect.

by Walter L. Pepperman, II

The Mountain House, Inc.